While an estimated 10 million smokers gave up their cigarettes yesterday as part of the American Cancer Society's "Great American Smoke-Out", Harvard smokers and University administrators did little to recognize the campaign.
The American Cancer Society organized the national "smoke-out" as "a public city gimmick," to urge smokers to pledge not to smoke for one day in the hope that they would realize their potential to stop permanently, Cheryl Zusman, director of the drive in Massachusetts said yesterday. She added the response was "over-whelming."
Harvard smokers acquainted with the smoke-out, however, said they either thought that a one-day break would be meaningless, or that they were unable to stop.
"I lasted until noon, but once I had a cup of coffee, I had to have a cigarette. I guess I'm addicted to nicotine." a freshman who wished not to be identified said yesterday. The American Cancer Society's failure to publicize the smoke-out on college campuses, may have lessened Harvard participation in the "Smoke-Out," Joseph Paiva, director of public education for the society, said yesterday. "It was a gross oversight on our part," he added.
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